Considering that Hawaii is always a popular vacation destination, unlike the other states of the U.S., this state does not have a State Police Department. However, those interested in how to become a police officer in Hawaii should know that the nature of the state can also translate into fewer job openings and stricter admittance requirements.

While the U.S. citizenship is not mandatory, the adequate age (minimum 21 years old), a valid driver’s license issued by the U.S. authorities, a clean criminal record, minimum education, graduating from a police academy and previous work experience are all taken into account when selecting the right police officer candidates.

A Brief Summary of the Minimum Qualifications

At least 21 years of age.

Has U.S. citizenship or…

A national or permanent resident and has eligibility for unrestricted employment in the United States.

Has a valid driver’s license issued in Hawaii or a comparable license from another state.

Have a high school diploma or GED.

Potential Dis-qualifiers

A felony, misdemeanor, or domestic violence conviction.

Physical Standards

Should have binocular visual acuity of 20/20 with or without correction.

Individuals who wear contact lenses should have a visual acuity of at least 20/200 prior to correction and corrected to 20/20.

Pre-entry Medical Examination

The physical fitness required to work as full time police officer in Hawaii mainly depends on the specific type of employment the candidate seeks. Therefore, if the position implies public safety or water safety activities, then the applicant will need to undergo several tests to prove a very high degree of physical fitness.

On the other hand, if the applicant is looking for a position within the offices of the police departments or managing equipment, the physical requirements are slightly lowered.

It is worth highlighting the fact that the applicants must present several medical certifications in order to prove they do not suffer from contagious or chronic illnesses.

The Internal Recruitment Process

Specific to the police departments of Hawaii, the internal recruitment is a process open to two categories of employees, namely the employees with civil service statuses and the employees of the County of Hawaii. Depending on the department that needs to fill in a position, the eligible candidates may or may not be subjected to further examinations.

However, while the promotions are encouraged within the departments, the positions are not always permanent and sometimes, the candidates can occupy a vacant job for only a specific pre-defined duration.

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For more information on becoming a police officer in Hawaii, visit the Hawaii police department website.